Cost of Living in Laurens County, South Carolina
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Laurens County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Laurens County ranks #2,204 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 30%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Laurens County, South Carolina
Laurens offers genuine affordability on moderate income
Laurens County residents spend 18.3% of their $55,517 median income on rent—below the state average and reflecting an unusually balanced housing market. At $847 monthly, Laurens rents are among the state's most reasonable, making this rural county genuinely affordable for working families.
Well below state average, but income lags
Laurens's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio beats South Carolina's 20.1% state average, placing it in the more comfortable tier despite incomes roughly $20,000 below the state norm. The affordable rents partially offset the lower wages, creating a manageable market for residents with local job ties.
Rural charm with rural-priced housing
Laurens's $847 rent ranks among the lowest here, undercutting Horry ($1,181) by 28% and Jasper ($1,307) by 35% while nearly matching Hampton ($815). This affordability reflects Laurens's rural character—for those prioritizing lowest costs over urban amenities, few South Carolina counties compete.
Buying dramatically cheaper than renting here
Laurens homeowners pay just $667 monthly compared to renters' $847—a $180 monthly savings that makes ownership a no-brainer for those with down payment ability. The median home value of $153,500 is the lowest in this dataset, placing homeownership within reach for modest-income households.
Laurens shines for budget-first relocators
If you're relocating on a tight budget or with remote work income, Laurens delivers the lowest ownership costs in South Carolina and rents nearly as affordable. Just accept that local wages are modest and job options limited—this county rewards those who bring income with them.
Cost of Living Advisory: Laurens County
Affordability Verdict
Laurens County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $847/month representing approximately 18.3% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 26.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $847/month rent versus $667/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $180/month cheaper — a 21% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,880/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $28,586/year. With a median household income of $55,517, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 26.0% of renter households in Laurens County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within South Carolina, Laurens County is more affordable than Bamberg County by roughly 7% ($847/mo vs $794/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Laurens County
Rent Burden
18.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,295
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Laurens County
Median home value is $153,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,225 vs. your max of $1,295.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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